OPT Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs
Licensed Practical Nurse jobs on OPT require active state licensure, which means passing the NCLEX-PN before you can work. Most LPN roles qualify as STEM-adjacent through healthcare CIP codes, and many hospital systems and long-term care facilities have sponsored OPT students before.
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Facility Kindred Hospital Louisville Subacute Unit
Req ID 557636 Post Date 08/07/2026
Description
Kindred Hospital Louisville is a 123-bed long-term acute care hospital offering the same in-depth care you would receive in a traditional hospital, but for an extended recovery period; including 16 Special Care Unit beds and 4 negative pressure rooms. We partner with your physician and offer 24-hour clinical care 7 days a week so you can start your journey to wellness anytime. To the benefit of our patients, families and visitors, we are located in the Original Highlands neighborhood, a short drive away from downtown, Cherokee Park and a number of boutique shops and restaurants.
Job Summary
Under direct supervision of Registered Nurse, provides nursing care within the scope of licensure for assigned patients according to established nursing standards and hospital policies and procedures. The LPN/LVN Charge Nurse manages a designated group of nursing employees on a nursing unit and assures smooth operations of the unit for a designated shift. Could encompass one or more units depending upon size and clinical programs. The scope of work may be modified by State specific rules under the Nurse Practice Act.
Essential Functions
- Assesses, plans, coordinates and evaluates patients’ care along with members of the interdisciplinary team.
- Documents the patient’s condition and nursing needs accurately and in a timely manner in the patient’s EHR.
- Reports pertinent observations and reactions regarding patients promptly to clinical leader and Physician as necessary.
- Receives and records physicians’ orders.
- Communicates staffing problems and needs to nursing leadership. Provides input on staffing ratios and deployment. Provides oncoming shift and supervisors with accurate and complete patient status report.
- Develops work assignments for RNs, LPN/LVNs, and Nurse Aides as directed.
- Supervises, directs and evaluates staff (i.e. RNs, LPN/LVNs) as directed.
- Participates in counseling, disciplinary action and termination of staff to the extent permitted by state practice act.
- Assures compliance with policies and procedures. Reports problems and complaints timely to the nursing leadership.
- Provides feedback to clinical leadership regarding performance of RNs, LPN/LVNs and Nurse Aides.
- Provides input in hiring and selection of RNs, LPN/LVNs and Nurse Aides. Gives feedback and participates in performance appraisals as assigned. Supervises nursing assignment, which includes directing assigned nursing staff to the extent permitted by state practice act.
- Coordinates and performs admission, transfer and discharge for patients. Completes all appropriate assessments relative to the patient’s status.
- Maintains positive working relationships between nursing and other departments.
- Assures that inventory and supplies are maintained in a clean and safe manner on the unit, are utilized economically and communicates need for housekeeping, maintenance or nutritional services assistance. Supports and participates in the center’s Performance Improvement initiatives.
- Adheres to professional codes of ethics, ScionHealth’s Code of Conduct and maintains PHI confidentiality in the center and in external locations, including electronic social networks.
- Provides direct care and/or assists with care as directed and consistent with their scope of practice and competency.
- Initiate the SBAR process and collaborate with the staff for assessment and recommendations.
- Make rounds with physicians and other team members as needed.
- Assist physicians and consultants with special tests or procedures within the scope of state specific nurse practice act and personal clinical competency.
- Coordinates patient assessments, recognizes the need to review and revise patients’ assessments as needed based upon patient condition.
- Coordinates patients’ care activities and communicates changes to other team members and patient family/significant other.
- Provides appropriate pain management techniques and educates the patient and family regarding pain management.
- Administers medication following the standards of medication administration within scope of practice.
- Assists with the rehabilitation and treatment of patients in accordance with the medical plan of care, updates, and revises plan of care under the supervision of Registered Nurse.
- Assists physicians with examinations, treatments and special procedures and performs services requiring technical and manual skills as directed by the Registered Nurse.
- Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
- Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
- Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patient and family; communicates with social Services/Discharge Planner regarding both in-hospital/unit and post discharge needs.
- Interprets data about the patient’s status to identify each patient’s age specific needs and provide care needed by the patient group.
- Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations
- Skilled in directing and motivating the workforce.
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients and their family members, and at all levels of the organization.
- Ability to react decisively and quickly in emergency situations.
- Ability to organize and prioritize.
- Knowledge of training techniques for clinical staff.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Approximate percent of time required to travel: 0-10%
- Must read, write and speak fluent English.
- Must have good and regular attendance.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
Graduate of accredited school of nursing.
Licenses/Certification
- Valid LPN/LVN license in the state employed.
- BLS Certification.
- ALS Certification preferred.
- IV Certification preferred.
Experience
2-3 years’ experience in nursing. One year of supervisory is preferred.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Licensed Practical Nurse
Get your state nursing license before applying
You cannot legally work as an LPN without passing the NCLEX-PN and holding an active license in the state where you'll practice. Apply for licensure immediately after graduation so your OPT start date aligns with license approval.
Target long-term care and rehabilitation facilities
Skilled nursing facilities, assisted living centers, and rehab hospitals hire LPNs in high volume and are more accustomed to working with international candidates on OPT than smaller outpatient clinics or private practices.
Confirm your program's CIP code qualifies for STEM OPT
Practical nursing programs under CIP code 51.3901 qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify this with your DSO before applying, since it gives employers a much longer authorization window and improves your hiring odds.
Address your OPT timeline upfront with nurse recruiters
Hospital recruiters screen candidates early on work authorization. Be direct about your OPT end date, whether STEM extension applies, and your H-1B visa eligibility timeline so recruiters can assess fit without ambiguity on either side.
Highlight clinical hours from your nursing program
Many LPN roles require verified clinical experience. List your supervised clinical rotations, patient contact hours, and any specialties covered during your program. This directly offsets the concern that international candidates lack domestic bedside experience.
Seek employers with established OPT or H-1B sponsorship history
Large hospital networks and national long-term care chains are more likely to have immigration counsel on retainer and prior experience sponsoring nurses. Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers who have sponsored OPT workers in healthcare roles before.
Licensed Practical Nurse OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an LPN on OPT without a nursing license?
No. OPT authorizes you to work in your field of study, but state law still requires an active LPN license before you can practice. You must pass the NCLEX-PN and receive licensure approval from the state board before your start date. Applying before OPT begins is the best way to avoid a gap between authorization and eligibility.
Do LPN jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Practical nursing programs under CIP code 51.3901 are on the STEM OPT eligible list, so graduates may qualify for the 24-month extension after their initial 12-month OPT period. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility. If you qualify, applying early gives your employer confidence you have a multi-year authorization window.
Which employers typically hire LPNs on OPT?
Large health systems, skilled nursing facilities, and national long-term care chains are the most consistent sources of LPN hiring for OPT students. These organizations employ nurses at scale, have HR teams familiar with work authorization, and are more likely to have sponsored international hires before. Browse Migrate Mate to find LPN roles from employers with documented OPT sponsorship history.
Can an LPN on OPT transition to H-1B sponsorship?
LPN roles are generally classified as requiring an associate-level education, which creates challenges for H-1B eligibility since that visa requires a bachelor's degree in a specialty occupation. Some nurses pursue an LPN-to-RN or BSN bridge program to qualify for H-1B or EB-3 sponsorship. Discussing a long-term pathway with your employer early in your OPT period is worth the conversation.
What happens to my LPN license if I change states during OPT?
Nursing licenses are state-specific. If you relocate for a new role, you must apply for licensure in the new state, either through endorsement or by retaking requirements if that state does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact. The Nurse Licensure Compact allows multi-state practice for qualifying nurses, but not every state is a member. Check your current and target state's membership status before accepting a position.